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POLITICS

Right-wing populists can use Hitler beer hall: court

A Munich court has ordered the owner of the famous Hofbräukeller beer hall to allow a party meeting by right-wing populists the Alternative for Germany (AfD) – in the face of protests by the landlord.

Right-wing populists can use Hitler beer hall: court
AfD leader Frauke Petry now has the right to speak at the famous Hofbräukeller. Photo: DPA

Beer hall owner Friedrich Steinberg said earlier this week that he wanted to cancel a planned appearance by AfD leader Frauke Petry, explaining that he was worried about damage to his reputation and possible violent protests.

But judges at the Munich state court have now decided that he didn't have a good enough reason to break the contract he had signed with the populist party.

“We've received [the injunction] from the court and are now examining legal options,” Steinberg said after the ruling was handed down on Thursday.

“We're very disappointed that the judges don't see our security concerns.”

Meanwhile, the head of AfD's Bavaria branch Petr Bystron called the decision a “resounding cuff around the ear for the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and Christian Democratic Union (CDU).”

Both mainstream parties had repeatedly attempted to block AfD events, Bystron said.

The Hofbräukeller enjoys some fame thanks to its connection with Adolf Hitler, who gave his first speech as leader of the German Workers' Party (DAP) – which later became the Nazi party – in the beer hall.

UKRAINE

German economy minister makes unexpected visit to Ukraine

German Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck unexpectedly arrived in Kyiv on Thursday to discuss post-war reconstruction and show support after Russian attacks on key Ukrainian infrastructure.

German economy minister makes unexpected visit to Ukraine

“This visit comes at a time when Ukraine needs all the support it can get in its fight for freedom,” Habeck told reporters in the Ukrainian capital.

“And it is a fight for freedom, that’s the important thing that the world, Europe and Germany mustn’t forget,” he said, adding that Ukraine was “fighting for the values that define Europe”.

The trip comes after Germany at the weekend announced it was sending an additional Patriot air defence system to Ukraine after pleas from Kyiv for its Western backer to urgently help foil Russian attacks.

Ukraine has said it is running out of weaponry to shoot down Russian missiles and drones as Moscow ramps up attacks on energy infrastructure.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday urged fellow EU leaders to urgently follow Berlin’s lead and send more air defence systems to Ukraine.

Habeck, who was accompanied by a business delegation on the trip, will hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

He will also meet with Ukrainian officials to discuss emergency aid and business ties as well as preparations for the annual Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Berlin in June, the German economy ministry said in a statement.

“Comprehensive support for Ukraine also includes support for a resilient energy supply and reconstruction. Private sector investment is crucial for this to succeed,” Habeck was quoted as saying in the statement.

The World Bank has estimated the total cost of reconstruction facing Ukraine more than two years since the start of the war is at least $486 billion.

OPINION: Germany’s timid strategy risks both Ukraine’s defeat and more war in Europe

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